Election 2024
Live Reporting
ECP rejects allegations of rigging in general election
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has outrightly rejected allegations of rigging in the general election.
According to a statement, the commission managed to hold a peaceful and orderly elections on Feb 8 and is taking quick decision on the complaints despite difficulties.
The holding of the election was a grand operation which was completed successfully, the ECP said.
Independent candidate gunned down in Rawalpindi
RAWALPINDI (Dunya News) – Unknown assailants killed an independent candidate Chaudhry Muhammad Adnan in Rawalpindi on Monday.
Adnan had contested the general elections from the NA-57. He was also a former PTI MPA.
According to police, the attackers targeted Adnan, a former member of the provincial assembly (MPA), near the Kuchehri Chowk area, causing severe injuries.
Adnan was rushed to the hospital immediately, but he succumbed to his wounds, as confirmed by the police.
In a separate incident on Saturday, Mohsin Dawar, the leader of the National Democratic Movement (NDM) and a former member of the National Assembly, sustained critical injuries during a firing incident in North Waziristan.
LHC seeks response from ECP on rigging complaints
LAHORE (Dunya News) - The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday sought a response from the Election Commission on the petitions against the victory of several candidates in Punjab.
Those who were made to respond include Pakistan Muslim League-N chief organiser and senior vice president Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
Another prominent one, whose victory was challenged, is the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party leader, Abdul Aleem Khan.
The court heard the complaints against the Returning Officers on behalf of various candidates including independent candidates supported by the PTI.
PML-N rejects KP election results
PESHAWAR (Dunya NEWS) – The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) has rejected election results and sought reopening of 10 constituencies.
PM-N Spokesperson Akhtarwali Khan alleged that the fake form-45 was distributed in the province to create confusion.
He said the polling results had not reflected the true picture.
He urged the election commissioner to reopen the 10 constituencies or no party would accept the election results.
Seven independent MPAs join PML-N
LAHORE (Dunya News) - As the result of the elections is finally out, the political parties are making efforts to get as much as independent candidates in their ranks.
In this regard, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Senior Vice President and Chief Organiser Maryam Nawaz has met the seven elected independent candidates of the Punjab Assembly in which they announced joining the PML-N.
ECP stops final results of several constituencies
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Following complaints of rigging and other irregularities, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday stopped releasing the final results of several national and provincial constituencies.
The ECP bench comprising Member Sindh Nisar Durrani and Member Balochistan Shah Mohammad Jatoi heard the election complaints in the Election Commission.
Member Durrani said that the loser is celebrating, and the winner is making accusations of rigging, how long will this continue?
The ECP Special Secretary said that the ROs have released the final results in most of the constituencies. "Stopping results may delay the next steps" he feared.
Rigging allegations are baseless: Interim PM
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Monday stated that a large number of independent candidates backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) emerged as the largest-single political group in the “free and fair” elections to the national and provincial assemblies.
In a presser at the PM’s House, Kakar said that there might have been shortcomings or other minor issues, but, by and large, the elections were held in a manner in which the entire nation and the law enforcement agencies deserved kudos despite various security challenges.
PML-N undermining democracy: Salman Akram Raja
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Slamming the PML-N led by Nawaz Sharif, Salman Akram Raja, a PTI-backed independent candidate from Lahore's NA-128 constituency, on Monday asserted that those who once advocated for the integrity of the vote were now aiming to seize power by undermining the very essence of democracy.
The senior lawyer, while speaking to media outside the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) office, alleged that the election was rigged, stating that he was winning by a wide margin according to the Form 45, but his victory was turned into defeat the following day.
No decision on PM candidate yet: Marriyum
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb has said senior party leader Khawaja Muhammad Asif’s statement is being presented out of context as the party has yet to decide the name for PM’s candidature.
She said the name would be decided after due consultation with the political allies.
Marriyum assured that the final decision would be taken after due process of consultations.
“The nation will be taken into confidence once the party reaches consensus on the name of PM,” she assured.
Shehbaz Sharif to be PML-N's candidate for PM: Khawaja Asif
SIALKOT (Dunya News) - PML-N leader and former federal minister Khawaja Asif revealed on Monday that Shehbaz Sharif will be PML-N's candidate for prime minister.
Also read: Rigging allegations lead to wave of litigation
The PML-N former Federal Minister said that in the next two or three days, the shape of a coalition government will appear. The ministries will also be decided by the coalition partners, he held.
Khawaja Asif said that Shehbaz Sharif also has experience as he has served as prime minister.
Siraj resigns as JI emir
LAHORE (Dunya News) – Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) emir Sirajul Haq resigned over poor performance in the general elections held on Feb 8.
The Jamaat failed to even win a single seat in the National Assembly in the national elections which were dominated by the independent candidates backed by the PTI. They managed to win 101 seats while the PML-N grabbed 75 seats and PPP won elections on 54 seats.
Earlier, Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman forfeited his provincial assembly seat PS-129 (Karachi), saying the PTI-backed independent candidate had secured more votes than him and deserved it.
Jahangir Tareen leaves IPP, quits politics
LODHRAN (Dunya News) – In a surprise move, Jahangir Khan Tareen has resigned as chairman of the recently formed Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) and quit politics.
Tareen made the announcement on social media platform X days after he lost elections in NA-155 and NA-149 to the PTI-backed candidates despite running a massive campaign for the general election 2024.
“I would like to thank everyone who supported me in this election and want to offer my congratulations to my opponents. I have immense respect for the will of the people of Pakistan. Therefore, I have decided to resign from my position as Chairman IPP and step away from politics altogether,” he wrote.
Twelve women clinch NA seats
By Hassaan Ahmed
LAHORE - The General Elections of 2024 witnessed many ups and downs. The election brought surprises for several heavyweights while the PTI-backed candidates stunned many political observers.
Although there are seats reserved for women in the National Assembly, some strong-willed females defeated their rival males while smashing the patriarchy and became the members of the parliament.
As many as 12 powerful women won election on general seats in the Feb 8 polls and became MNAs.
Sharif brothers reach out to Fazl to 'conquer' Islamabad
LAHORE (Dunya News) – In an interesting move, the Muslim League-N (PML-N) has contacted JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman in a bid to regain power in the Centre.
According to party sources, Nawaz Sharif on Monday contacted Fazl over telephone and discussed political situation of the country and formation of government. Both leaders are expected to meet soon, they added.
It may be recalled that Junior Sharif, Shehbaz, has contacted the Maulana twice in the past 24 hours.
The sources said Shehbaz sought the Maulana’s advice on the political situation. The JUI-F chief sought time as he would discuss the issue in the party’s executive committee which is scheduled to meet on Wednesday.
According to sources, the Maulana has also expressed his reservations about the outcome of the general elections.
Some elements are planning to repeat May 9: Mohsin Naqvi
LAHORE (Web Desk/Dunya TV) – Some people are planning to repeat the May 9 events, warned Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Monday, as he said that the intelligence agencies had the evidence of the attempts.
Talking to reporters in Lahore, Naqvi said the intelligence agencies had recorded the discussions held among such elements on the subject and made it clear that there would be a strong reaction if anyone tried to replicate the May 9 violence.
Session to form new NA expected to be held on Feb 29
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The National Assembly's first session after the general elections is expected to be held on February 29.
According to parliamentarian sources, the new assembly’s session must be held within 21 days after general elections are conducted under Article 19 of the Constitution.
ECP sets up complaint cell amid surge in grievances
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has set up a complaint cell outside the ECP office to solve complaints regarding poll results for the general election in 2024.
ECP has set up separate counters for all four provinces in the complaint cell. ECP has said the complaint cell would be helpful in solving complaints regarding poll results, and applicants would be able to get information about their constituencies.
ECP has formed two benches for hearing appeals regarding poll results and will hear 67 appeals today.
A two-member bench including Punjab and Kyber Pakhtunkhwa would hear 29 appeals, while 38 appeals would be heard by another two-member bench of Sindh and Balochistan.
Malala asks politicos to gracefully accept results
(Web Desk) - Nobel laureate and activist Malala Yousafzai has shared her opinion on Pakistan’s 2024 general elections via social media platform X.
In her post on X, Malala emphasised the importance of free and fair elections, as well as the need for transparency in vote counting and respect for the people’s mandate.
Political wrangling continues as PDM components vie to join hands again
LAHORE (Web Desk) – Will it be continuation of the PDM (Pakistan Democratic Movement) government as two leading allies – the PML-N and the PPP – will have another round of talks to share the power corridor in Islamabad.
A Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) delegation led by Shehbaz Sharif had a meeting with PPP’s Asif Zardari and Bilawal on Sunday in which discussions were held on the overall situation of the country and prospects of political cooperation in the future.
Fractured mandate creates panic at stock exchange, KSE-100 down over 2pc
KARACHI (Web Desk) – The benchmark KSE-100 Index tumbled over 2 per cent during intraday trading on Monday as investors at the Pakistan Stock Exchange are grappling with the divided mandate emerging out of the Feb 8 elections and the resultant political uncertainty that will follow in the coming years.
As the session began, the KSE-100 Index at point dropped to 61,525.96 points against the previous closing of 62,943,74. By 11:49am PST, it was recorded at 61,652.78 after shed 1,290.96 points, or 2.05pc.
PTI candidate secured more votes than me, JI's Naeem withdraws from PS-129 seat
KARACHI (Dunya News) – In a significant development, Emir Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Monday abdicated his provincial assembly seat PS-129 (Karachi) saying PTI-backed Independent candidate had secured more votes than him.
JI's Naeemur Rehman returned successful on PS-129 (Karachi Central-VIII) by bagging 26,296 votes. Out of the seven provincial assembly seats of Korangi district three were won by independent candidates, two by MQM-P and one each by the PPPP and the JI.
Caretaker govt fulfills its constitutional responsibility by holding polls: Solangi
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Caretaker Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi on Sunday said the government had fulfilled its constitutional responsibility by holding free, fair and transparent elections in a peaceful manner.
Speaking in a private TV talk show, the minister said the caretaker government had extended all-out facilitation to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in holding the polls.
PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa divided into four groups over the chief minister race
PESHAWAR (Dunya News/Web Desk) – With the PTI-backed independents bagging 79 seats in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, they are poised to get the chief minister’s slot. However, differences have emerged among their ranks over the choice, as there are four aspirants for the office, Dunya News reported.
As the Election of Pakistan (ECP) is expected to notify the names of successful candidates within 24 hours, the PTI now has to deal with the internal politics after Akbar Ayub, Mushtaq Ghani, Ali Amin Gandapur and Aqibullah Khan are reportedly their trying to convince their colleagues for backing.
US envoy Bloom meets Bilawal
LAHORE (Dunya News) – US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Bloom on Sunday had a meeting with People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
PPP sources, confirming the meeting, said that it lasted for almost an hour and a half.
They discussed the current situation in Pakistan after the recent general elections in Pakistan and formation of a new government.
Election results in four Sindh Assembly constituencies challenged by JI
KARACHI (Dunya News) - Jamaat e Islami's (JI) contesting candidates have challenged the results of the polls in the Sindh Assembly’s four constituencies.
Junaid Makati, a candidate from the Sindh Assembly’s PS-104 constituency, has challenged the February 8 polls result. His rival Muhammad Daniyal from Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) won the seat in this constituency, according to the result.
We want to get our rights through vote, don't make us use road: MQM-P
KARACHI (Dunya News/Web Desk) – MQM-P Convenor Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui on Sunday said “they want to get [their] right through votes” and “they should not be forced to get [their] right by using road” [street power], as the party celebrated the latest sweeping victory in the megacity.
Addressing a rally, Siddiqui said the MQM-P representative also bagged the National Assembly constituency from Kemari – an area which mixed population from different ethnic groups – and they had started demolishing the obstacles created on the basis of hatred.
Newly-elected PTI-backed MNA Waseem Qadir joins PML-N
LAHORE (Dunya News) – Waseem Qadir, the newly-elected PTI-backed MNA from Lahore, joined the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Sunday.
He announced joining the former ruling party after meeting PML-N Chief Organiser Maryam Nawaz in Lahore.
Speaking on the occasion, Waseem Qadir, PTI Lahore General Secretary, expressesed confidence in the leadership of Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz. He stated that he was joining the PML-N after consulting with the people and friends of the constituency.
It should be noted that Waseem Qadir defeated PML-N candidate Sheikh Rohail Asghar in NA-121 in Lahore.
Newly-elected independent MPA from Chiniot joins PML-N
LAHORE (Dunya News) – Another newly-elected MPA from Punjab Assembly constituency PP-97-Chiniot Muhammad Saqib Khan Chadhar on Sunday announced to join Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Dunya News reported.
According to sources, Saqib Khan Chadhar met Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shehbaz Sharif in Lahore and announced to join the party. Saqib Khan Chadhar expressed full confidence in Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif.
Struggle for power in center and provinces intensifies as ECP announces final results
By Arooj Anmol
Around 60 million eligible voters participated in the electoral process in Pakistan on February 8, 2024, casting their ballots to elect representatives across 265 National Assembly and 590 Provincial Assembly constituencies.
This marked one of the nation's most fiercely contested political battles, with an estimated voter turnout ranging from 45 to 50 percent.
Following a period of heightened anticipation and amidst considerable turmoil, the general elections have concluded without major incidents, and the results have been officially announced.
